Ellsworth
John J. Chruscielski passed on in the early morning hours of Aug. 16, 2021, at Mount Desert Island Hospital, after a heroic battle with cancer.
He was born Sept. 15, 1967, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Norbert and Cynthia Chruscielski. John graduated from Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua, Wis., Class of 1985. His many friends from the era have stayed in close contact to this very day.
After a stint at college, John moved to Minneapolis, Minn. There he formed the band Steinhouse, in which he would develop more lifelong friends. He enjoyed participating in the creative music scene during the late ’80s and early ’90s, playing alternative grunge/rock music regularly around the region, even opening up for nationally famous bands. Record label contracts chased the band, but to no effect, as their fun-loving attitudes, which included streaking in the off hours, kept them untamed in most respects. To pay the bills, the musical partnership evolved into a construction business where John became a resourceful jack of all trades.
Moving to Maine in 2013, John became the facilities manager at his favorite place of employment, the Asticou Inn in Northeast Harbor. Working year-round at the majestic old inn kept John busy beyond belief, but he relished the history and community of the place.
John is survived by his mother, Cynthia Chruscielski, his brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Kathy Chruscielski, his sister and brother-in-law, Linda Perrin and Ken Perrin, many nieces, nephews, cousins, a world of friends and his beloved dog, Joe.
A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 23, 2021, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 25 Pine St., in the Fogtown Gardens, or in case of rain, at Artsworth studios.
In lieu of flowers, please send gifts in John’s memory to the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, P.O. Box 322, Ellsworth, ME 04605, (207) 664-0339.